Which best describes active listening?

Active listening is best described as giving undivided attention to understand the speaker's point of view. This involves fully concentrating on what the speaker is saying, rather than simply hearing the words. It requires the listener to be present in the moment, empathetic, and non-judgmental, allowing for a deeper understanding of the message being conveyed.

By focusing on the speaker without distractions, the listener can pick up on both verbal and non-verbal cues, which enriches the communication process. Active listening fosters a supportive environment where the speaker feels valued and understood, ultimately enhancing relationships and facilitating clearer communication.

Other options, such as thinking about a response while the speaker talks or multitasking during a conversation, detract from truly understanding the speaker’s message and can lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations. Taking notes can be useful in some contexts but does not inherently align with the principle of fully engaging and connecting on a personal level with the speaker's narrative.